Alexandria car rental information
| Pick-up location | Alexandria |
|---|---|
| Car types | |
| Rental locations | 15 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
Cheap car rentals in Alexandria
| Mini |
| Economy |
| Compact |
| Intermediate |
| Standard |
| Full-size |
| Luxury |
| Minivan |
| Passenger Van |
| SUV |
| Commercial |
| Pick-up truck |
Top tips for renting a car in Alexandria
- Some of the top benefits of Alexandria car rentals are that they allow you to explore all the cultural and natural attractions in the mid-Atlantic region. For example, the White House in Washington D.C. is only a 30 or somin drive northeast of Alexandria. If you’d prefer to avoid D.C. and head to the Six Flags amusement park instead, drive east along I-495 S and then 214 for roughly an hour or so. Nature lovers may wish to visit Shenandoah National Park. It’s about 1 h 30 mins west along I-66.
- Being aware of American holidays that affect traffic can help you get the most out of cheap car rentals in Alexandria. These holidays begin with the street parades on January 1st, New Year’s Day around King Street, Market Square, and the broader Old Town area. A few months later, on March 17th, is St. Patrick’s Day. Usually, this entails Irish-theme parades and crowded bars in Old Town Alexandria. On the 4th of July is Independence Day. The streets are filled with street parades in the Old Town during the day and people watching fireworks at the Oronoco Bay Park along Madison Street at night.
- There aren’t any tolls within Alexandria proper, however, there are many in the surrounding areas. This includes the 395 Express Lanes from the 14th Street Toll Bridge in the northeast to Lincolnia in the west. If you continue south, you’ll get on the 95 Express Lanes. If you head west out of Alexandria, you’ll hit the 495 Express Lanes. Those branch off into the 66 Express Lanes in the east, and the Dulles Toll Road and Dulles Greenway in the west. The Express Lanes can be paid with an E-Z Pass (which most Alexandria car rentals have) or through a credit card. If you have neither, you’ll be sent a bill online.
- With the Potomac River to the east, many regional parks and golf courses scattered around the city, and the George Washington Memorial, Alexandria has plenty to discover – and there is no easier way to do it than by car. Don’t depend on public transport and seize the opportunity to explore Alexandria in your own time and pace by renting a car for your stay in the city. Washington, DC is also only a 20-minute ride away and is always worth a visit.
- Reagan National Airport is the closest airport to Alexandria and is only 10 minutes from the city center. The airport sports rental car agencies right on its grounds, which makes continuing your journey invariably easier. Pick up a car directly from there and start your time in Alexandria without any hassle.
- Although Virginia has a subtropical climate, there can be sleet and ice in the northern parts of Virginia, like Alexandria, in the winter. The city has a higher-than-usual rate of rainfall per year and, during the winter months, roads can become treacherous due to the mix of rain and snow. If there is ice or snow, ground markings can be covered and snow piles up on either sides, making the roads narrower. Drive accordingly and adjust your speed to enjoy a safe ride.
- Rush hour usually hits Alexandria between 7 and 9 am and 5 and 8 pm. Especially roads to and from Washington can face increased traffic, like the I-295 or the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Try to avoid starting your trips during these times for a smoother driving experience and acquaint yourself with alternative routes beforehand, or rent a GPS system with your car.
- Book your rental car in Alexandria at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Mini rental cars in Alexandria are around 67% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about renting a car in Alexandria
Alexandria car rental reviews and directory
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
7.8
Good
31 reviewsCleanliness
7.7
Comfort
7.9
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.9
Value for money
7.5
6 locations in Alexandria
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Reviews
2.0 Poor
Jul. 2020
Cons:
They were closed when I arrived, which cost $40 for the uber2.0 Poor
Jul. 2020
Pros:
Enterprise had great customer serviceCons:
The Nissan versa was a horrible car for a long roadtrip and not what I wanted. Handling was very poor on the highway as the whole car shakes. The cruise control did not work and there was greasy fingerprints on the inside of windshield. Very disappointed with the car and I reserved a midrange Mitsubishi and all they had was Nissan versas. I plan on upgrading to a better vehicle for the trip back9.6 Wonderful
Jan. 2020
Pros:
Nice car. Accommodating professional staff. Easy drop off and oick up10.0 Wonderful
Apr. 2019
Pros:
Good staff, great fee upgrade.7.2 Good
Apr. 2019
Pros:
Staff was GreatCons:
The cleanliness of vehicle could of been alot better10.0 Wonderful
Dec. 2018
Pros:
Excellent customer service on both pickup and drop off. I will definitely return to rent from this location.Hertz
7.4
Good
38 reviewsCleanliness
6.8
Comfort
7.4
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.6
Value for money
7.3
One location in Alexandria
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Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Dec. 2020
Pros:
Staff was friendly and helpful.Cons:
More area to park6.0 Okay
Oct. 2020
Cons:
They are entirely too slow with their service3.2 Poor
Jul. 2020
Pros:
The first car smelled like smoked and I was able to quickly get another car.Cons:
I called a couple of days before mentioning I wouldn’t be able to pick up the car till the next day. As I wouldn’t be able to park the rental anywhere for the night. I asked if the charges would be the same and the person I spoke to said they would be able to fix the charges once I got there. The person I spoke to said they would make a note of it. Once I get to Hertz the person who is present says there isn’t a note. The person isn’t pleasant as I try to figure out what is going on. I am charged the same amount as if I picked it up the night prior. Overall experience at hertz lacked customer service.4.0 Mediocre
Jul. 2020
Cons:
Hertz employees not wearing masks, car was dirty on the outside and I was not convinced that it had been properly sanitized and disinfected prior to me driving it. I brought my own Lysol and wipes and had to clean it down in order to give myself some peace of mind.2.4 Poor
Apr. 2018
Pros:
The car was sound and safe.Cons:
When when I called a Alexandria, VA Hertz I told the gentlemen I was running late (about 11:40) I expressed my concerns for being charged an extra day and fees. He said I would not as long as it’s dropped offs. He mentioned he would be in the office Sunday. In addition, I called the Hertz toll free customer service while at the drop-off location to further explain. They only recommended dropping off the keys and recording the mileage on the rental agreement. My main concern is being charged additional days and fees.6.0 Okay
Mar. 2018
Cons:
My car was not full and had very poor tires with one tire always going flat. Spent 3 hours turning in it for a mother vehicle that had tire that held airBudget
8.0
Very good
19 reviewsBest rated
Cleanliness
8.0
Comfort
8.0
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.5
Value for money
8.0
3 locations in Alexandria
Filters
Reviews
10.0 Wonderful
Jan. 2020
Pros:
The owner was very nice and accommodating. They had a nice selection of cars to choose from. I would definitely recommend renting from this budget/Avis location.6.0 Okay
Dec. 2020
Pros:
Staff was very nice and helpfulCons:
The vehicle was not clean and the previous renter had smoked in the car.7.2 Good
Apr. 2019
Pros:
Pick-up process was the easiest I've ever experienced. Staff was great and worked through my problemsCons:
I'm not familiar with Alexandria and the Landmark Mall. Entrances are not clearly marked at all.10.0 Wonderful
Aug. 2017
Pros:
We were delighted with the vehicle we received! It was clean, well-maintained, had lots of amenities, and an outstanding deal for the price! The staff were polite, friendly, answered our questions, and went out of their way to ensure the rental arrangements fit our needs. We will DEFINITELY be recommending Budget to everyone and using Budget again in the future. Thank you!5.6 Fair
Apr. 2016
Pros:
Drop off was to easy a fastCons:
Their was only one worker and he was out dropping off a ntoher customer so i had to wait about 15 min till he cam back8.8 Very good
Feb. 2016
Pros:
Having never rented a car I wasn't sure of the whole process or cost but it ended up working out great! I was able to tap into a special so the price was right and the car (compact/small 4-door) was as expected. The only thing that concerned me was no one walked me out to the car to do a once-over. I noticed damage on the exterior and dirt on the interior so I promptly took photos to cover myself. Overall the car was good on gas mileage and drop-off was seamless (easier than anticipated). Would definitely rent from Budget again :)Cons:
No walk-through/once-over of the car upon . Damage to exterior. Dirty interior. Needed a car wash. No auxiliary input.Avis
7.6
Good
9 reviewsCleanliness
8.0
Comfort
7.6
Pick-up/Drop-off
7.3
Value for money
7.6
3 locations in Alexandria
Filters
Reviews
6.0 Okay
Dec. 2019
Pros:
The guy at the desk was friendly and nice.Cons:
The car was not ready when I got there. Had to wait 30 minutes to be able to go anywhere (others were waiting too). I had a work meeting to get to and thankfully I had booked the car early so I was able to still make it in time but it was unnecessarily stressful to have to wait.2.0 Poor
Aug. 2017
Pros:
NothingCons:
Showing up thinking I have a reservation even after calling twice.10.0 Wonderful
Jan. 2023
2.0 Poor
Aug. 2022
10.0 Wonderful
May 2022
Rent-A-Wreck
No score available yet
One location in Alexandria
Thrifty
No score available yet
One location in Alexandria
97 travellers who rented a car in Alexandria gave the car agency they used an average rating of 7.7
Car rental locations in or near Alexandria
Good to know
Most popular car type | Mini |
|---|
When to book a rental car in Alexandria
Average daily price per month
Rental car prices as pick-up date approaches